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"News of the World" by Paulette Jiles follows the journey of Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, an aging war veteran who travels through post-Civil War Texas reading newspapers to small town residents. When he is entrusted with returning a 10-year-old girl, Johanna, who was captured by the Kiowa tribe, to her living relatives, their 400-mile trek becomes a tale of survival, friendship, and cultural clash. The book explores the bond that forms between the Captain and Johanna as they face various perils, showcasing the vivid descriptions of the Texas landscape and the challenges of a changing society.

If you liked News of the World, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    True Grit by Charles Portis
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    'True Grit' by Charles Portis is a Western novel that follows the story of fourteen-year-old Mattie Ross seeking revenge for her father's murder. The book is narrated in the first person by Mattie, who enlists the help of U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn to track down the killer, Tom Chaney. The plot is action-packed, with elements of gun battles, bravery, and a strong sense of justice prevailing throughout the story. The writing style is described as spare, clean, and filled with terse Western dialogue, making the narrative quick, to the point, and engaging.

    The novel is praised for its strong and memorable protagonist, Mattie Ross, who is depicted as brave, stubborn, independent, and smart. The character of Mattie is highlighted as the heart of the story, with her unsentimental and matter-of-fact narration adding depth and humor to the events unfolding in the book. Readers appreciate the humor, character development, and the unique voice of Mattie as a narrator, making 'True Grit' a compelling and enjoyable read that delves into themes of revenge, courage, and perseverance in the Wild West.

    People do not give it credence that a fourteen-year-old girl could leave home and go off in the wintertime to avenge her father's blood but it did not seem so strange then, although I will say it did ...

  2. #2

    Whiskey When We're Dry by John Larison
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    In "Whiskey When We're Dry" by John Larison, the story follows Jessilyn Harney, a young girl who embarks on a dangerous journey to find her outlaw brother, Noah, in the harsh setting of the untamed West. The plot is filled with gunfights, whiskey, and a strong sense of family ties as Jess navigates through a world of corrupt men, violence, and self-discovery. Larison's writing style captures the essence of the Western genre while offering a fresh perspective through the character of Jess, a sharpshooter who challenges societal norms and embarks on a coming-of-age journey filled with courage and resilience.

    Our kin homesteaded where desert met lake. The hills in the near distance wore blankets of pine. Patterns of aspen marked the water. Beyond them the mountains stood blue on clear days and devoured the...

  3. #3

    The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt
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    The Sisters Brothers follows the journey of two hired killers, Eli and Charlie Sisters, in the Wild West during the California Gold Rush era. The narrative is presented in a first-person perspective by Eli, who reflects on their violent lifestyle as they travel from Oregon City to California on a mission to assassinate a prospector named Hermann Kermit Warm. The book combines elements of dark comedy, gritty Western settings, and unexpected plot twists, all wrapped in a narrative style that is both charming and authentic.

    The story delves into themes of brotherhood, redemption, and self-discovery as Eli grapples with his desire for a different life while remaining loyal to his bloodthirsty brother, Charlie. The novel captures the essence of the Old West with vivid characterizations, engaging dialogues, and a blend of humor and melancholy that keeps the reader entertained and emotionally invested in the characters' journey.

    I was sitting outside the Commodore's mansion, waiting for my brother Charlie to come out with news of the job. It was threatening to snow and I was cold and for want of something to do I studied Char...

  4. #4

    Butcher's Crossing by John Williams
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    John Williams' 'Butcher's Crossing' is a novel set in the 1870s following Will Andrews on a buffalo slaughter expedition in Colorado. The narrative details the journey from the dreadful slaughter to being snowed in, exploring themes of man's relationship with nature, the impact of the wilderness on individuals, and the consequences of greed. Williams' writing style is described as spare, detailed, and well-researched, providing a cinematic account of the harsh realities faced by the characters in the unforgiving wilderness.

    The coach from Ellsworth to Butcher’s Crossing was a dougherty that had been converted to carry passengers and small freight. Four mules pulled the cart over the ridged, uneven road that descended sli...

  5. #5

    Riders of the Purple Sage - Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
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    Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey is a classic Western novel set in Utah in 1871. The story follows Jane Withersteen, a wealthy landowner who defies the Mormon community and faces opposition from church leaders. The plot includes elements typical of the Western genre such as gunfights, rustlers, and a love story between Jane and the mysterious Lassiter. Grey's lush descriptions of Utah's wilderness and vivid portrayal of the conflict between the characters create a slow-moving but engaging plot that culminates in dramatic endings.

    Jane Withersteen gazed down the wide purple slope with dreamy andtroubled eyes. A rider had just left her and it was his messagethat held her thoughtful and almost sad, awaiting the churchmenwho were ...

  6. #6
    Warlock
    Book 1 in the series:Legends West

    Warlock - Legends West by Oakley Hall
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    'Warlock' by Oakley Hall is an epic Western novel that delves into the complexities of law and order in the fictional town of Warlock. The story follows the hired sheriff, Clay Blaisedell, as he navigates through conflicts between the citizens' committee, townspeople, and outlaws. The narrative weaves together multiple Western themes intricately, with a focus on character development and moral ambiguity. The writing style is dense, with every sentence carrying significant meaning, similar to the works of Frank Norris and Thomas Pynchon.

    DEPUTY CANNING had been Warlock’s hope. During his regime we had come to think, in man’s eternal optimism, that progress was being made toward at least some mild form of Law & Order in Warlock. Certai...

  7. #7

    The Homesman by Glendon Swarthout
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    In "The Homesman" by Glendon Swarthout, the story unfolds as four mentally and emotionally troubled women in the harsh frontier are entrusted to a homesman, Mary Bee Cuddy, for a perilous journey back East. The book delves into the hardships of pioneer women, capturing the brutal realities of frontier life and the struggles of survival. The plot weaves between moments of humor, touching scenes, and heartbreaking narratives, creating a compelling and vivid portrayal of the untamed West.

    The narrative skillfully explores the relationships between men and women, the challenges of the frontier, and the depths of the human spirit. Through a mix of adventure, danger, and emotional turmoil, the characters embark on a journey that tests their resilience and courage. With rich period atmosphere and authentic characterization, "The Homesman" immerses readers in a gripping and poignant exploration of the human experience in the 1850s American West.

    In late summer Line told him she was two months along. Another mouth to feed. And besides, she said, forty-three was too old. She said it would be a melon-head or all crippled up or have a harelip bec...

  8. #8
    Sackett
    Book 2 in the series:The Sacketts

    Sackett - The Sacketts by Louis L'Amour
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    'Sackett' by Louis L'Amour follows the story of William Tell Sackett, an older brother to Tyrel and Orrin Sackett. Tell stumbles upon a valley rich in gold and a young woman in need of rescue. As he navigates through challenges including bad guys seeking revenge, gold diggers, and a banker, Tell showcases his quiet heroism, strict code of honor, and determination to make a better life for himself. The plot unfolds with action-packed scenes of mining for gold, gun duels, and Tell's efforts to protect the newfound riches while facing various threats. The writing style of the book is described as straightforward, engaging, and typical of L'Amour's Western novels, focusing on themes of honor, literacy, love, and the challenges of the American West.

    We Sacketts had begun carrying rifles as soon as we stood tall enough to keep both ends off the ground. When I was shy of nine I fetched my first cougar … caught him getting at our pigs. At thirteen I...

  9. #9

    In the Distance by Hernan Diaz
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    In the book 'In the Distance' by Hernan Diaz, the reader follows the journey of Håkan, a young Swedish immigrant who embarks on a quest to find his brother in New York but ends up in California during the Gold Rush era. As Håkan traverses the American West, encountering a wide array of characters and facing numerous challenges, he becomes a legendary figure known as The Hawk. The novel is a genre-breaking historical fiction piece that offers a unique perspective on courage, survival, and the human experience during a tumultuous period in American history. Diaz's writing style is praised for its masterful prose, vivid descriptions of the landscape, and the creation of a surreal yet plausible narrative that captivates readers.

    Håkan Söderström was born on a farm north of Lake Tystnaden, in Sweden. The exhausted land his family worked belonged to a wealthy man they had never met, although he regularly collected his harvest t...

  10. #10
    Doc
    Book 1 in the series:Doc Holliday

    Doc - Doc Holliday by Mary Doria Russell
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    "Doc" by Mary Doria Russell is a historical fiction novel that delves into the earlier life of the infamous Doc Holliday, focusing on his time in Dodge City, Kansas. The author paints a vivid picture of Doc's character, his struggles with tuberculosis, and his relationships with real and fictional characters of the era, including the Earp brothers. The story is rich in historical detail, capturing the harsh realities of life in the American West during the 19th century, while also exploring the complexities of the main characters' personalities.

    He began to die when he was twenty-one, but tuberculosis is slow and sly and subtle. The disease took fifteen years to hollow out his lungs so completely they could no longer keep him alive. In all th...

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